FAISALABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has said the government will fully support wealth creation and industrialisation in Pakistan to promote economic activities in the country.
Addressing the businessmen and industrialists here on Wednesday, the Prime Minister said that it is the main policy of the government to industrialize Pakistan, which is vital for job creation as well.
He said that suggestions and input from the business community will be welcomed to strengthen the economy. The Prime Minister emphasised the need for imparting training to labourers for value addition of Pakistani products.
He asked the Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar to work for the establishment of textile skills institutions in this regard. He also urged the business community to take care of labour class’ interests with the growth of their businesses.
Talking about people’s demand for the establishment of a high court bench in Faisalabad, Imran Khan said that there should be a high court bench at every divisional headquarters. He said his government believes in solving people’s problems at the primary level for which a new local government system is being introduced in the country. He said under the new system every urban centre will have its own directly elected mayor.
The Prime Minister said that cities will be made more empowered to resolve their problems at the local level and without looking for any help from the provincial or the federal government.
The Prime Minister said that this is the first government after 1960 that wants to industrialise Pakistan. He said: “You are Pakistan’s industrial hub. If you progress, Pakistan will progress.” He recalled that the ruling PTI faced a serious economic crisis when it came to power in 2018.
Prime Minister Khan said it is up to the government to help industries flourish so as to create employment opportunities. Noting that Pakistan faces a historic debt, he said wealth creation in the country will help the government pay off the debt.
He lauded his economic team and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) governor over policies to bring the country’s economy out of the coronavirus-induced sluggishness. As the world faced an unprecedented crisis brought on by the pandemic with countries like India imposing lockdown, he said the PTI government saved the poor and industries.
The Prime Minister said the second wave of the coronavirus is rearing its ugly head, due to which a small gathering was held in Faisalabad. He urged the people to wear masks and follow SOPs to keep the virus at bay.
“Economy will suffer and poverty will increase if pressure [of increasing patients] piles up on hospitals,” he pointed out.
The Prime Minister said they are bringing reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to purge it of all ills. All-out efforts are underway to boost exports, he maintained and vowed to facilitate businessmen.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, Mansoor Ahmed Khan shared on Wednesday that Prime Minister Imran Khan will arrive in Kabul on Thursday (today) at the invitation of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.
“Prime Minister Imran Khan visiting Kabul tomorrow for meeting Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to discuss strengthening of bilateral ties,” said Ambassador Mansoor.
Last week, Afghan Foreign Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Gran Hewad had announced that the PM Imran’s visit will focus on the Afghan peace process and strengthening of political, security, trade and economic ties will also be discussed during this trip.
“The trip happens after President Ghani’s telephonic conversation with Imran Khan last month,” Hewad said.
This will be PM Imran’s first visit to the war-torn country since assuming office in 2018. The visit comes as the stalemate continues in the Afghan peace talks being held in Doha between the Afghan government and Taliban to end the more than decade long conflict in the country.
The Prime Minister has maintained that there is no military solution to the Afghan conflict. He has also backed the peace process and a political solution in the country brought about by the people of Afghanistan.
The Prime Minister has stated multiple times that the peace in Afghanistan would be beneficial for the entire region as it would create new opportunities for trade and economic cooperation as well as regional connectivity.
The visit also comes a day after PM’s Adviser on Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood returns from a three-day trip to Afghanistan. Dawood held meetings with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, and other leaders of the country. – TLTP